

WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
Medford Public Schools- March 2025
Wellness Department
Medford Public Schools provides a quality physical education and health education program for all students in grades K-12. The goal of the Wellness Department of Medford Public Schools is to enhance the wellbeing of the school community by creating a culture that integrates and balances the six dimensions of wellness: social, physical, intellectual, occupational, emotional and spiritual. The department strives to encourage an active, healthy lifestyle, healthy decision making, and a life-long commitment to wellness. The curriculum is based on state and national physical education and health education frameworks. Our Wellness program is staffed with highly qualified Massachusetts DESE-licensed teachers.
Meet the Staff: Megan Richard
Physical Education Teacher at the McGlynn Elementary School
- Medford High School Graduate Class of 2005
- Inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame in 2016 for soccer, basketball and softball
- Completed the Boston Marathon in 2016 and the Chicago Marathon in 2017.
- Started teaching physical education in Medford at the McGlynn Elementary School in 2011!
Degrees/Certifications/Licenses:
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management - UMass Amherst 2009, Masters in Education 2011
Professional Academic Teacher License for Physical Education in Grades Pre-K through 8, CPR and First Aid
Career Highlights: Organized the annual 5th grade vs. Teachers Basketball Game along with the end of the year Fun Day for all grade levels. Started the Almost Impossible Shot and the McGlynn Elementary School Wall of Fame with PE classes - check out the videos on Miss Richard's Instagram (@missrichard_physed) to learn more about it!
Hobbies: All things Disney, spending lots of time with her nephews and niece, designing with the Cricut, reading, Peloton & traveling.
Meet the Staff: Ginelle Gaulin-McKenzie
Nexus Specialist at the Roberts Elementary School
Background:
- Graduated from Newtown High School in CT (2006)
AmeriCorps VISTA: Coordinator of Service Programs (2010-2012)
Newton Public Schools- Inclusion Assistant (2012-2014)
Medford Public Schools-Advisor & Coordinator of the Center Citizenship & Social Responsibility -CCSR (2016- Present) Previously worked as a Therapeutic Learning Program teacher at the Missituk Elementary (2014- 2021)
Degrees/Certifications/Licenses:
Lasell College Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education (2010)Lasell College Masters of Education in Moderate Disabilities (2013)
Gordon College: Wilson Reading Certification (2021)
Career Highlights: I love teaching Nexus because I am passionate about children's mental / physical health
Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking, biking, traveling and trying new restaurants.
Build Social Bonds to Protect Health
From an early age, we learn that nutritious foods and physical activity can help us stay healthy. Growing evidence now suggests that social connections may also be key to good health. Socially connected people tend to live longer. They’re at lower risk for serious health problems. Social bonds are also linked to our mental health, eating habits, and much more.
Despite the links between our social ties and health, there’s been a troubling increase in social disconnection around the world. About 1 in 3 adults nationwide report feeling lonely. About 1 in 4 say they lack social and emotional support.
- Learn something new. Join a group interested in a hobby, such as knitting, hiking, birdwatching, painting, or wood carving.
- Volunteer. Consider helping out at a school, library, museum, hospital, or animal shelter.
- Stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors. Connect in person, online, or by phone.
- Share your knowledge. Teach a favorite pastime or skill, like chess or baking, to a new generation.
- Take the stage. Take part in a local theater troupe, sing in a community choral group, or play in a local band or orchestra.
- Help others. Run errands for people with limited mobility or access to transportation.
- Get moving. Take a class in yoga, tai chi, or other physical activity.
- Be more active in your local community. Take part in community or senior center events. Join a faith-based organization that aligns with your beliefs.
* Source: www.nih.gov
Health Recipe: Apple Yogurt Parfait
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup sweetened applesauce
- Dash ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granola with raisins
- 1-1/3 cups vanilla yogurt
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, combine applesauce and nutmeg.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon granola into each of 4 parfait glasses.
- Layer each with 1/3 cup yogurt and 1/4 cup applesauce.
- Sprinkle with remaining granola.
- Serve immediately.
Nexus Bully Prevention Lessons - Roberts Elementary School
During February, Roberts students talked about bullying prevention in their Nexus classes. The students learned about the difference between a bystander and an upstander and how they can help others who are being bullied.
The 4th and 5th grade students completed the "My Promise to Help End Bullying in Our Schools " worksheet. They brainstormed how they could help make our school a safe place for everyone. Students Jake, Bea, Cate, and Matt had some great examples on how they could stop bullying! Additionally, a Family Resource sheet to help families discuss bullying was sent home.